Celtic Engagement Rings

Irish Chain Quilt

Irish Chain Quilt

Create a Complex Quilt Design Using Only Simple Shapes

Quilt designs are created by combining blocks that have different color variations.

A block is the basic unit of a quilt top. Typically blocks are square. They can be made any size, and frequently a quilt is made using many blocks with the same design. They can be pieced together from smaller pieces (called patches) or could be appliqu? It is also possible that a block could be a solid piece of fabric.

The smaller components of a block are called patches. They can be many different shapes - triangles, rectangles, squares, diamonds, or curves - but the idea is to sew patches together so you end up with a square.

By changing the shapes of the patches within a block (i.e., substituting triangles for squares) and/or changing the placement of the colors of the pieces (i.e., switching light fabric for dark fabric), you can create a whole new quilt design while keeping construction of your quilt the same.

Simple is the name of the game for many quilters. Using one or two shapes for all of the pieces in your quilt makes it easy to sew; and squares and triangles offer many advantages in terms of simplicity. As a beginner quilter, making the sewing simple gives you the opportunity to focus on learning and practicing basic quilt making techniques that you will use as you develop your craft.

Interesting variations in quilt blocks can be achieved through placement of the fabrics in addition to how each patch is divided.

A simple nine patch quilt block can be used as an example of how different a block can look just by changing the placement of colors within the nine patches of one block.

Using only two colors of fabric in alternating squares creates a design like a checkerboard. With the same nine patch of two colors of fabric, using only square patches in each block, you can create a pattern that looks like a big X in your quilt simply by placing the colors in a particular position in each block. Thus, the Irish Chain, and variations of it.

Adding a little more complexity, you can take some of the square patches in the blocks and divide them in half from corner to corner (commonly called half-square triangles in the quilting world), and create a star design.

Using only half-square triangles and square patches, by simply re-arranging the fabrics, your checkerboard or square turns into a basket, or leaf shape, a bow tie shape, or even a series of diamonds.

Another type of triangle that is easy to make is a quarter-square triangle. That triangle is made by cutting a square patch into half-square triangles, and then cutting the half-square triangles in half once more, thus creating four small isosceles triangles.

You can add complexity to your design by increasing the number of colors in your quilt, and your design changes once again. What once was a black and white checkerboard can transform into a block that looks like the letter H.

Your block can look like it is 3-dimensional by using specific colors in designated places.

And all of those design changes can be created by using only three basic shapes - squares, half-square triangles and quarter-square triangles - plus a little imagination in the placement of your colors.

As you sew your blocks together, they can look completely different. For example, you could take blocks of two simple half-square triangles, place them in columns, alternate the direction of the cut of the triangle, and create a quilt that looks like columns of zigzags. Using the same blocks, placing them so all of the diagonals are facing the same direction, your quilt could look like an old-fashioned scrap quilt.

About the Author

Penny Halgren http://www.How-to-Quilt.com Penny is a quilter of more than 26 years who seeks to interest new quilters and provide them with the resources necessary to create beautiful family heirloom quilts.

Irish Chain Quilts $12.68 Innovative method for piecing together Irish chain quilt quickly and easily. Ten full-size quilting patterns with easy-to-follow instructions.

Irish Blessing Mobius Bangle $27.99 Engraved on both sides with the beloved Irish Blessing and shaped in the Mobius strip symbol for infinity. Imported. Silver plated. 2 pendant on an 18 chain with 3 extender.

Irish Prayer Tree Of Life Necklace $14.99 This unique design features an overlay pendant with a cut out tree of life and the under pendant is engraved with the Irish Blessing. Arrives gift boxed with a card to match. 1? pendant on 18? chain. Imported.

Irish Tear Of Remembrance Heart Pendant $14.99 This heart pendant is a beautiful way to remember a loved one. Puffed 1 heart with a small crystal teardrop inside, on 18 chain. Gift boxed with message card. Card Reads: The Irish smile and laughter that you've known so many years shall always be a part of you the love is in your tears. Imported.

Quilt Remix $12.99 Here's music for your ears! New settings and colorways for all your favorites-Log Cabin, Nine-Patch, Irish Chain, Flying Geese, Pinwheel, and more. You'll love these quilt designs made with fresh, fun fabrics for any home.

Irish Princess Crown Necklace $10.99 What an adorable Crown necklace for your wee princess to wear. 2 crown on 16 chain with 2 extender. Gift boxed. Imported.

Double Snail on 24 Belcher Chain $19.99 Double Snail on 24 Belcher Chain

Sterling Claddagh Pendant on 20 Chain $139.99 Sterling Claddagh Pendant on 20 Chain

Triple Irish Chain History Mug by CafePress $15 Triple Irish Chain, the Rice House, Dover, Tennessee; National Civil War Quilt Trail History Mug The perfect size for your favorite morning beverage or late night brew. Large, easy-grip handle. Treat yourself or give as a gift to someone special. Measures 3.75 tall, 3 diameter. Dishwasher and microwave safe.

Fashionably Red Wallet Chain Purse $29.99 The in color for spring...also a perfectly sized purse with its removable 47 shoulder chain, accented with a Trinity knot. Interior checkbook holder, ID window, card slots. billfold pocket, inside and outside change pocket. Faux snakeskin. 4 1/2 x 7 1/2 x 3/4. Imported.

Sterling Silver Symbols Of Ireland Pendant With Chain $39.99 This beautifully shining disk of sterling silver offers cut-work shamrocks and trinity knots. Pendant measures 3/4 wide and 1 1/8 long with bail. 18 chain included. Boxed. From Ireland. Web Exclusive!

Tree Of Life 3 Charm Necklace $14.99 An assemblage of Irish charms to salute your treasured heritage and all dangling from 18 chain. Imported.

Women's 14 Kt Two-Tone Gold Celtic Trinity Knot Pendant with Chain $249 Our 14 kt from Ireland. Pendant is 1 x 3/4. Chain is 18. Web Exclusive! Shipped separately - please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery.

Hearts, Shamrocks And Claddagh Silver Necklace $67.99 The spirit of Irish romance is in this beautiful design of favorite symbols. Two tone, delicate and so eye catching. Sterling Silver and gold plate. 18 chain. Boxed. Ireland.

Women's Unforgettable Claddagh Style - Ring $84.99 Dainty and unmistakably Irish, these enchanting sterling silver claddaghs are accented with polished 10 kt. gold hearts. From Ireland. Boxed. Pendant on 18 chain. Bracelet 7 1/2. Ring 3/8 at center.

Sterling Silver Emerald CZ Shamrock Jewelry $39.99 A shamrock is a sure sign of all things Irish! And these shamrock pieces absolutely sparkle and gleam! 3/4 shamrock on 18 chain. 1/2 earrings. Ring whole sizes 6-9.

Sterling Silver Emerald Cz Shamrock Jewelry - Earrings $39.99 A shamrock is a sure sign of all things Irish! And these shamrock pieces absolutely sparkle and gleam! 3/4 shamrock on 18 chain. 1/2 earrings. Ring Whole sizes 6-9.

Men's Celtic Cross - Sterling Silver Necklace $99.99 A striking Irish tradition, this weighty cross is engraved on both sides. From Ireland. 1 1/4 X 1 X 1/4 on 22 chain. Boxed. 10 Kt and 14 Kt Gold Cross Necklaces ship separately; allow 3-4 weeks. Free shipping on Gold Cross Necklaces only.

Men's Celtic Cross - 10 Kt. Gold Necklace $549 A striking Irish tradition, this weighty cross is engraved on both sides. From Ireland. 1 1/4 X 1 X 1/4 on 22 chain. Boxed. 10 Kt and 14 Kt Gold Cross Necklaces ship separately; allow 3-4 weeks. Free shipping on Gold Cross Necklaces only.

Sparkling Celtic Crosses - Gold Necklace $249 An eloquent expression of faith and tradition, this Celtic cross reflects exquisite Irish craftsmanship. The 14 kt. gold pendant sparkles with diamond and emeralds; the polished sterling silver necklace is inset with cubic zirconia. From Ireland. Boxed. 1 X 1/2 cross on 18 chain. 14 Kt. Free shipping.

Children's Celtic Crosses $49.99 A heartfelt gift to commemorate a child's heritage and faith. Sterling Silver cross has the design on both sides. 7/8 on 18 chain. Gold plated cross, 1 on 18 chain. Ireland.

Children's Celtic Crosses - Gold Plated Cross $19.99 A heartfelt gift to commemorate a child's heritage and faith. Both from Ireland. Sterling Silver cross has the design on both sides. 7/8 on 18 chain. Gold plated cross, 1 on 18 chain.

Paua Shell Shamrock Necklace $9.99 Lovely silver plated 1 1/4 shamrock on an 16 ball chain with 3 extender. Imported.

Sterling Silver And Emerald Celtic Cross $84.99 A striking Celtic Cross in sterling silver and delicate interlaced shamrocks centered with an emerald. 1 1/2 cross on 18 chain. Ireland.

Shamrock Marble Necklace $84.99 This lovely shaped pendant is highlighted with inlaid Connemara marble shamrocks. Ireland. Boxed. 1 x ?? pendant on 18? chain.

Sterling Silver Book of Kells Pendant $37.99 A real treasure to own and wear...a miniature Book of Kells that opens to display pages in the book. 18 chain. Ireland.

Sterling Large Trinity Knot Cross $68.99 A delicate and open cross composed of three Trinity knots. 1 ?? cross on 18? chain. Ireland.

Sterling Silver Woven Celtic Pendant And Earrings - Pendant $19.99 Striking Celtic designs! 1 1/2 pendant on 18 chain. 1 1/2 earrings. Designed in England.

Adventurine Necklace With Shamrock Charm $14.99 An impressive 1 1/2 tear drop of adventurine accented with an antiqued shamrock charm. 16 snake chain with 2 extender. Imported.

First Communion Celtic Cross With Pearls $22.99 A stunning and elegant accessory to wear on this important day. ?? silver plated cross on a 16? pearl and metal chain. Boxed. Ireland

Men's Celtic Cross Necklace $10.99 Made of solid pewter, the 1 1/4 cross is richly embossed on both sides and hangs from a 24 chain. USA.

Celtic Claddagh Pendant w/CZ heart $87.99 The claddagh?s CZ heart is encircled with a unique Celtic design that has the look of wings. Ireland. Pendant 1? on 18? chain.

Sterling Silver Guardian Angel Necklace $37.99 This wee angel in prayer is both comforting and inspiring. 3/4 with a shamrock on skirt , 18 chain. Ireland.

Sterling Silver Trinity Tree Of Life Pendant $99.99 This Celtic interpretation includes branches of intricate Trinity knots. 1 pendant on 18 chain. From Ireland. Boxed.

Rolled Gold Claddagh Bangle $269.99 A bangle to delicately encircle your wrist, crafted in an artistic medley of sterling silver and 10 kt. gold plate. Ireland. Boxed. ?? wide with safety chain.

Sterling Silver Celtic Cross $66.99 An accessory of enduring beauty. Crafted of heavy weight silver, this 1 1/2 x 3/4 cross is embossed with Celtic knots and suspended from a 20 chain. Ireland.

Sterling Silver and Gemstone Celtic Circle of Life Pendant $69.99 This stunning silver piece has genuine garnet, peridot, amethyst, blue topaz and citrine. 1 circle on 18 chain. Boxed. Ireland.

Silver Trinity Flowers Pendant And Earrings - Earrings $39.99 A lyrical fusion of the Celtic spiral and Trinity knot and centered with a sparkling crystal. From Ireland. 1 pendant on 18 chain; 1 earrings.

Contemporary Triskel Pendant $13.99 Engraved with the spiral motif found in many prehistoric Celtic sites, this silverplated pendant has a fresh look. From Ireland. 1 1/2 pendant on 20 chain.

Women's Celtic Triskel Jewelry - 10 Kt. Yellow Gold Pendant $149 An ancient Celtic symbol of three spirals ever flowing outward and always returning to where they began. From Ireland. 3/4 pendant on 18 chain.

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